It was a Thursday morning when I received the call from Bruce Affleck of the St. Louis Blues, a professional hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Bruce asked me if I wanted to play in the exhibition game against the Chicago Blackhawks, a rival team. The Blues had auctioned off a chance to play in the game, and it turns out I was the highest bidder!
By day, I’m an author and professional speaker specializing in customer service. I’ve built a career out of helping companies build loyal relationships with their customers and employees. Outside of work, I play hockey about twice a week. It’s been a life-long passion of mine, and something that helps me stay focused.
Recently, one of my teammates asked me if I take the enthusiasm and motivation I have for my business and channel it into hockey. As I thought about it, I realized that the opposite is true. I’m all about loving life, so I take a lot my motivation and love for the game back to my business. Here are some of the key things I’ve learned from hockey:
Calculate Risks – Every time I step onto the ice for a game, there is risk. However, that risk is calculated. I know my ability and limits, and yet I push myself as hard as I can. Though it can be injurious, I’m willing to play with players much better than me because it makes me better. I adopt the same approach in business. The only way I can really grow is if I play with the best and take some risks.
Anticipate – There is a lot of anticipation in hockey. Famed hockey player Wayne Gretzky once said, “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” It’s the same in business. When it comes time to making headway, I anticipate what my industry is offering and look ahead for the next great opportunity. In short, I don’t ride the wave … I start the wave.
Know the Competition – In professional sports, scouts are always checking out the other teams, trying to understand the competition. In business I learn about my competition through research and by asking clients what speakers they’ve hired. I ask them what they liked and didn’t like about these consultants, and then I explore ways in which I can improve my game and beat the competition. Learning what makes my competition successful helps me create a benchmark that I like to think of as a minimum standard. If I can outperform them, I can achieve new levels of success.
Stretch for Goals – In hockey, the goal is to score goals, which is not always easy. In 1983, I started my business with a 10-year plan that included many goals. At the time, I realized that while my goals should be attainable, they shouldn’t be easy. What’s more, they should help me become a stronger, more disciplined professional along the way. Even if I don’t “win the game” and hit my goal, I find something to celebrate. If I aim high and celebrate the success produced by my efforts, than I believe I’ve won the game.
All in all, my passion on and off the ice is evident in how I conduct myself. By taking risks, anticipating industry changes, understanding my competition and going for the score, I can ensure that I’m making headway in work and in life. As an entrepreneur, I thrive off the pursuit of success, and I understand that it’s not always about winning— it’s how you play the game that counts.